How Does the Sonata Compare to the Camry and Accord?
The midsize sedan segment is fiercely competitive, and three names continually dominate the conversation: the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord. If you’re car shopping in 2025 and wondering which of these sedans suits your lifestyle best, you’re not alone.
At Shaker’s Family Hyundai, part of the respected Shaker Auto Group, we’ve guided thousands of drivers through this very decision. In this detailed comparison, we explore performance, safety, fuel economy, reliability, and value to help you answer the question: How does the Hyundai Sonata compare to the Camry and Accord?
Styling and Design: Sonata’s Bold Edge
Among these three sedans, the 2025 Sonata stands out for its striking, coupe-like silhouette and aggressive front fascia. It offers:
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Distinct LED lighting signature
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Aerodynamic roofline
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Sporty N Line trim with 19-inch wheels and dual exhausts
While the Camry and Accord have also evolved their designs, the Sonata is often favored by buyers who want a modern, unconventional look.
Interior Space and Comfort
Which is better for families: Sonata, Camry, or Accord? In terms of cabin layout and passenger comfort, all three sedans perform well, but with slight nuances:
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Sonata: Best front-seat legroom and upscale layout in Limited trim
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Accord: Most rear-seat legroom, ideal for carpoolers
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Camry: Balanced cabin size with slightly more headroom
For families, the Sonata offers competitive space with a premium aesthetic, especially in trims with leather and ambient lighting.
Performance and Handling
The Sonata offers multiple engine choices, including:
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2.5L 4-cylinder (base)
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Turbocharged 1.6L (SEL Plus)
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290-hp 2.5L Turbo in N Line
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Hybrid option with over 50 MPG (Sonata Hybrid)
By contrast:
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Camry: Offers a 2.5L 4-cylinder, V6 (301 hp), and hybrid option
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Accord: Primarily hybrid-focused in 2025, with strong torque delivery and a smooth ride
If performance is your goal, the Sonata N Line is more engaging than both the Camry TRD and Accord Hybrid. For everyday commuting, all three sedans are smooth and composed.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Is the Sonata more fuel-efficient than the Accord? The answer depends on the trim:
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Sonata Hybrid: Up to 52 MPG highway
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Accord Hybrid: Up to 51 MPG combined
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Camry Hybrid: Also around 52 MPG highway
The Sonata matches or slightly exceeds its rivals in hybrid efficiency, while its gas engines offer competitive mileage as well (28–38 MPG depending on trim).
Technology and Infotainment
All three sedans offer impressive technology suites, including Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and digital displays. The 2025 Sonata features include:
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12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
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12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (with split-screen functionality)
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Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
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Available Bose® audio system
The Accord has a large 12.3-inch touchscreen but lacks wireless CarPlay on some trims. The Camry is slightly more conservative with smaller base screens but remains user-friendly.
Driver Assistance and Safety
All three vehicles score high in crash tests and offer a full suite of driver-assist tech. Hyundai’s SmartSense system in the Sonata includes:
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Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
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Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist
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Highway Driving Assist (semi-autonomous on select trims)
Toyota’s and Honda’s systems are equally strong, though Hyundai’s interface and user-friendliness often receive better marks in user reviews.
Reliability and Ownership Experience
Sonata vs. Camry vs. Accord: which is more reliable? All three brands have solid reputations, but here’s the consensus:
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Camry: Long-standing reputation for reliability and longevity
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Accord: Highly rated for drivetrain durability
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Sonata: Improving reliability scores with newer model years; backed by America’s Best Warranty (10 years/100,000 miles on powertrain)
While Camry and Accord are slightly ahead in historical reliability, Hyundai’s aggressive warranty and recent quality gains make the Sonata a safer long-term bet than in previous generations.
Pricing and Value Comparison
What sedan offers better value in 2025? Let’s compare base and top trims:
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Base Trim Prices:
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Sonata SE: Lower MSRP than both Camry LE and Accord LX
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Includes more standard features like Smart Cruise and touchscreen
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Top Trim Prices:
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Sonata Limited undercuts Accord Touring and Camry XSE V6 by $1,000–$2,000
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In terms of features per dollar, Sonata offers the strongest value across the trim lineup.
Hyundai Sonata Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Bold styling
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Generous standard safety tech
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Class-leading warranty
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High-tech cabin
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Excellent hybrid efficiency
Cons:
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Slightly less resale value than Camry/Accord
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Less rear seat space than the Accord
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Performance is only available on the N Line (no V6)
Best Sedan for Commuters in 2025?
All three models are commuter-friendly, but the Sonata Hybrid—with its fuel economy, comfort, and tech—makes a strong case for daily drivers. If you prefer spirited driving on occasion, the N Line adds fun without sacrificing practicality.
Final Thoughts
In the battle of Sonata vs Camry vs Accord, there’s no bad choice—just the one that fits you best. If you want eye-catching design, advanced tech, and unbeatable warranty coverage, the Hyundai Sonata deserves your attention.
Visit Shaker’s Family Hyundai, part of the Shaker Auto Group, to test drive the 2025 Sonata and compare it firsthand to other top midsize sedans. We’ll help you find the right fit, at the right price, with the confidence that comes from years of trusted service.
*Penned by AI, polished by humans
